Report from Jack Cummins-
The Palma Marathon and Half Marathon took place on Sunday 13th October which lived up to its strapline of ‘follow the sun’. Twelve MACs and one guest made the start line in the warm and humid conditions. The race starts outside the magnificent gothic cathedral known as ‘La Seu’ by the seafront. The first ten kilometres is out and back to the military museum at the port before heading up into the narrow cobbled streets of the city taking a winding route to return to the cathedral. At this point the half marathoners peel off left whilst the marathon runners get to do it all again.This years race was particularly hot with many runners struggling but not Colin Davenport who finished in a fantastic 5th position in the marathon in 2:49:14. He was followed by John Thorpe who also had a scorching run to take 41st place in 3:19:55. Other finishers included Dan Ashcroft, Dennis Belbin and Ruth Toyn of North Derbyshire Running Club. The race was won by Nikki Johnstone 2:28:46.In the Half Marathon, first MAC was Peter Wilmot in 1:38:42 235th, 27th in his age category. He was closely followed by Craig Allen 1:39:19 249th. Other finishers were Dennis Holmes, Gavin Simmons, Jakki Simmons (first MAC lady), Lisa Tink beating her time last year and Charlotte Cummins completing her first half marathon. Jack Cummins did not finish due to injury.